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Former Mass. Probation Boss Pleads Not Guilty

Former Probation Commissioner John O'Brien during his arraignment in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston Monday (AP)
Former Probation Commissioner John O'Brien during his arraignment in Suffolk Superior Court Monday (AP)

Former Massachusetts Probation Commissioner John O'Brien has pleaded not guilty to a charge of conspiring with another state official to get O'Brien's wife a job at the state Lottery.

O'Brien was released on personal recognizance after his arraignment Monday in Suffolk Superior Court. The other official, Scott Campbell, a top aide to former state Treasurer Timothy Cahill, also pleaded not guilty.

Indictments announced last week by Attorney General Martha Coakley allege O'Brien arranged with Campbell to host a fundraiser for Cahill in 2005. O'Brien's wife was later hired by the Lottery, which is overseen by the treasurer's office.

Cahill was not named in the indictments.

O'Brien's lawyer says his client never discussed the possibility of employment for his wife or any fundraising activities with either Cahill or anyone in Cahill's office.

This article was originally published on September 26, 2011.

This program aired on September 26, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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